An Introduction to Goshuin Collecting

Check out Naoki's Collection! These are all the Goshuin he has collected on his travels through Japan.

When you travel in Japan, you may have opportunities to visit traditional shrines or temples. If you know about Goshuin (御朱印), you can enjoy Japanese culture even more!

A Goshuin is a seal stamp given to visitors at shrines and temples. It serves as proof of worship and has become very valuable to visitors. Shrine Goshuin tend to have simple designs, while temple Goshuin tend to be more elaborate and complex.

Each Goshuin is handwritten by a temple's monk or a shrine's kannushi or miko, making them a unique and meaningful way to record your travels as well, as every location offers a distinct design.

The seals are collected in a special booklets known as the Goshuin-cho.

I would like to introduce how fascinating Japanese temples and shrines are! Let me share some of the shrines I visited in Hyogo Prefecture.

Shrines

Ikuta Shrine

Ikuta Shrine is located near Sannomiya Station (one of the largest stations in Kobe), making it very accessible from downtown and other famous sightseeing spots. It is said that this shrine is related to the origin of Kobe's name.

Regular Goshuin

In addition to regular Goshuin, Ikuta Shrine issues special Goshuin for each season and month. These have beautiful designs. Be sure to check them out and visit when you go to Kobe!

Minatogawa Shrine

This shrine is much newer than Ikuta Shrine. It was built by the Emperor during the Meiji era (1882) and is dedicated to Masashige Kusunoki (楠木正成), a well-known samurai. He is still respected today for his devotion to his master, sacrificing himself during a time when Japan was divided by civil war. Originally, this was the site of his tomb, which was visited by many Japanese in later generations. Today, it serves as an oasis of lush greenery in the urban area of Kobe.

You can see a chrysanthemum flower with flowing water illustrated here. This is Kikusui-mon, the family crest of Masashige Kusunoki, and it also serves as the Shrine crest.

Onokorojima Shrine

According to Japanese mythology, Japan was created by the deities Izanagi and Izanami. This story is known as the Kuniumi myth. Onokorojima Shrine is said to be the first place they created. The symbol of the shrine is a very large red torii gate, one of the three largest in Japan!

This shrine is located on Awaji Island, which has many sites related to the origin of Japan. You can explore the roots of Japanese shrines while enjoying the island’s unique food and scenery.

At the bottom right is the phrase "Birthplace of Japan"

I introduced three shrines this time, but Hyogo has many more amazing shrines and temples! I hope people not only visit these sacred sites but also appreciate them by learning about Goshuin and the history behind each shrine during their visit.

Written by: Naoki Tsuji